SPRINGFIELD – Qualities that you want in your quarterback include: smarts, athleticism, the ability to throw the ball down field and guidance.

In the eyes of first-year head coach Dominic Cuniglio, returning senior John Apicella possesses all of those traits and more.

“John is very intelligent, mobile and is getting a good understanding of our offense and what we’re trying to do,” Cuniglio said. “He’s a good leader and has a strong arm.”
Apicella is one of six returning starters on offense, while there are five more on defense as the Bulldogs seek to rebound from a rough 2-8 season a year ago.

Cuniglio, an assistant coach at Nottingham last year after coaching at Union the previous two seasons, is a full-fledged head coach for the first time. He became the interim head coach at Union in 2012 after head coach Brian Sheridan took a leave of absence.

“I have a feel for this team, these kids have taken to what we’re doing,” Cuniglio said. “They’re focused, motivated and want to be successful.

“They show up every day and do what we ask of them. We started a weight room program and they have been in there five days a week.”

In addition to Apicella on offense, senior John Turner returns at tailback.

“He’s going to be a force,” Cuniglio said. “He’s a big, physical player, with speed.”